Case study 2: Computer use in news media organisation
Summary of problem
For many years a large news media organisation had used a
computer-based system to store and transfer news stories. This was
becoming outdated because of developments in the electronic
transfer of news stories. A new "off the shelf"
package-based system was chosen.
The new system had consequences which had not been foreseen
because it was being used for a task it was not designed for -
lengthy in depth stories, rather than short bulletin style
pieces.
Before it was introduced there had been relatively few cases of
Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs) despite the use of DSE for many years.
There then followed a surge of new cases (a three to four fold
increase).
At the time there was a huge news story adding to the pressure
and the company was also in the middle of reorganisation.
Action
Assessment of task, environment and individual factors for ULDs revealed
the software could not cope with the needs of the news organisation.
To reduce the risk of ULDs the following controls were
implemented.
- Computer related equipment, including hardware, software, and
furniture was reviewed by the safety manager.
- Changes to workstation layout were made to improve working
postures, particularly relating to upper limb, mouse and keyboard
use. This focussed on the risk factor of working posture.
- Changes were made to the software to reduce repetition.
- The manager altered the work organisation including work
patterns and shifts. This rectified any poor work practices and
included control over work quality and deadlines. These changes
focussed on the risk factors of duration and psychosocial
factors.
Advice
- Identify risk factors for ULDs including repetition, working
posture, duration of exposure and psychosocial factors.
- Undertake a pilot of the new software to see if it fulfils
what your requirements are.
- Encourage early reporting of cases so steps can be taken by
managers to minimise the impact of symptoms.
- Where programmes that encourage early reporting and management of cases can be adopted, the outlook for most cases of ULDs should be good. Such programmes are most readily adopted in those organisations where there is an environment of mutual co-operation between those involved (employers, employees, unions, safety officers, occupational health professionals and IT specialists).
- A DSE assessment is only applicable to the user at the time
of the assessment and if the workstation is used by others (hot
desking) the assessment will not be adequate.
References
Upper limb disorders in
the workplace - HSG60 (rev) HSE Books 2002
ISBN 0 7176 1978 8
